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Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Danielle Jackson

I'm Wearing Chocolate Nails on Repeat This Fall

A manicure featuring brown and gold nail polish and 3D gel.

There's no official rule stating that certain nail colors can only be worn during specific seasons. A cherry red, for example, is closely associated with summer, but I'd argue that red nail polish, in a more burgundy hue perhaps, is a perfect fall manicure. The same goes for pink, blue, and green. That being said, no polish perfectly encapsulates the cozy, comforting energy of fall and winter quite like chocolate nails.

Shades of brown always become extra popular this time of year—even your favorite celebrities are in on it. Khloé Kardashian's first official fall manicure was a rich, chocolate brown shade, while Jennifer Lopez was recently spotted wearing a "toasted" brown shade. No matter what you settle on, there really are an endless number of shade options to choose from. Not to mention the design inspiration you can find just about anywhere.

From brown tips to metallic overlays, I've rounded up 15 gorgeous chocolate manicures that you can wear all season long.

Classic Chocolate Brown

(Image credit: Instagram / @lolonailed.it)

Brown nail polish comes in a variety of shades, but nothing beats a classic, all-over chocolate brown. This is also a good opportunity to add some character by playing around with your nail shape.

Tortoise Shell

(Image credit: Instagram / @iramshelton)

Tortoise shell is a classic nail design that's both chic and funky at the same time, and achieving the look at home is easier than ever thanks to several press-on designs you can buy pretty much anywhere.

Geometric Brown

(Image credit: Instagram / @lolonailed.it)

Again, wearing a chocolate brown manicure doesn't mean you'll only ever have one shade of brown to choose from. Mix and match brown tones, such as chocolate and caramel, while adding a geometric twist, as this manicure does.

Mixed Browns

(Image credit: Instagram / @justpeachynailss)

Can't decide on just one color or design? Get creative and combine a few different ones. May I suggest a checkerboard with a side of Halloween ghosts?

Shimmery Chocolate Brown

(Image credit: Instagram / @nailgirlnic)

If solid block nails are a little too plain for your liking, a great way to spice things up without getting too out-of-the-box is to throw on a few coats of a chocolate glitter polish.

Copper

(Image credit: Instagram / @lolonailed.it)

For a solid color that gives off the perfect amount of cozy vibes without being too dark, copper is the perfect in-between.

Espresso Brown

(Image credit: Instagram / @lolonailed.it)

Speaking of cozy, no color adds warmth and sophistication to a manicure like a deep, dark, espresso brown. It's the ultimate rich girl aesthetic.

Metallic Brown

(Image credit: Instagram / @nailgirlnic)

You don't have to pick an intricate nail design to add some character or funk to your nails. A metallic brown hue will add a lot of spice without going overboard.

Chocolate Micro French Manicure

(Image credit: Instagram / @nailgirlnic)

The great thing about a French manicure is that you can stylize it in a myriad of ways, this look being a great example. If you're tired of simple white tips, switch things up by throwing a chocolate brown color on your tips. The micro French look is perfect if you want to wear colored tips on shorter nails.

Tortoise Shell Tips

(Image credit: Instagram / @corrinnabianca)

Believe it or not, tortoise shell nails can be customized too, and if you don't want to commit to the design all over, add it as a French tip.

3D Chocolate

(Image credit: Instagram / @nailedbyvicx)

Mix and match your browns while also throwing in some 3D elements to really give your nails some character. All you need is some nail glue and appliques straight from Amazon.

Chocolate Cat Eye

(Image credit: Instagram / @corrinnabianca)

Cat eye nails may look pretty similar to iridescent nails, but the key difference is that they're meant to have a velvety, metallic look that almost have a mirror-like effect.

Glazed Toffee

(Image credit: Instagram / @corrinnabianca)

Glazed donut nails aren't going anywhere just yet. Give the trend a cozy twist by using a light brown polish before adding a chrome overlay.

Caramel Brown

(Image credit: Instagram / @corrinnabianca)

You can wear deep brown colors, or you can explore lighter colors like this creamy, caramel brown. It has the same sleek, sophisticated effect of chocolate nail, but offers a lighter alternative.

Warm Hot Chocolate

(Image credit: Instagram / @melanated.mani)

This shade is light and creamy, like a cup of hot chocolate, and it's the perfect warm hue to turn to if you're looking for something to get you into the fall mood.

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